Tag: elderly

Both average life expectancy and the prevalence of diabetes are continuing to rise.

For seniors, type 2 diabetes is a growing problem, and a larger proportion of newly diagnosed diabetics are older in age. Treating and diagnosing diabetes amongst the elderly can be a challenge. Since April is National Defeat Diabetes Month, let’s look at how this impacts seniors specifically.

So, what are some differences in diagnosing diabetes among the elderly when compared to diabetes in the young?

1. Elderly people who are at risk of developing diabetes, or who have already developed the disease, may not exhibit the classic symptoms expected.

2. Age-related changes can mean that some symptoms will be masked, or harder to spot.

All diabetes complications can occur amongst older patients. Cognitive complications are more common amongst the elderly. Further problems may include pre-existing or co-existing health problems. Many elderly diabetic patients are pre-disposed to hypoglycemia. Understanding diabetes is an important step. Education, of both the patient and caregiver, can be important in recognizing warning signs before a crisis occurs.

According to the American Diabetes Association, “Diabetes is a common disease, yet every individual needs unique care. We encourage people with diabetes and their families to learn as much as possible about the latest medical therapies and approaches, as well as healthy lifestyle choices. Good communication with a team of experts can help you feel in control and respond to changing needs.” It is important to have regular checkups with your primary care physician and communicate any concerns. Dealing with diabetes will be so much easier when you have a team approach.

Last week we had our annual flu shot clinic at our community. I’ll admit that I never started getting a flu shot until I went to work in the assisted living sector. I had experience with kidney stones, sinus infections, broken bones, and surgeries. But no flu. But the first year I got the flu shot….NO…I didn’t get the flu, but my husband and daughter…both (who did not get their flu shot that year) got the flu and it was rough. But as rough as it can be on school-aged children and middle-aged adults…it can be much more serious for the elderly or those with compromised immune systems. Here are a few helpful reminders to consider as we approach flu season.

Get your Flu shots!

In our communities’ we offer flu shots annually to protect our residents and staff. It is something that we take very seriously as it can be a dangerous situation for an elderly person to get the flu. Nowadays you have options! You can get your shot with your family physician or many pharmacies have flu shots available onsite. Remember that when you get the flu shot, it takes about two weeks for it to begin working. So, you want to get your shots ahead of the flu season curve.

Sniffles? See you next time!

What may sound rude, is just smart advice. If you don’t feel well or you have a child that doesn’t feel good…find another time to visit an assisted living community. What we can shake off easily may prove a huge obstacle for a senior citizen to bounce back. The CDC provides this list of flu symptoms to watch for:

Fever* or feeling feverish/chills

Cough

Sore throat

Runny or stuffy nose

Muscle or body aches

Headaches

Fatigue (tiredness)

Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

* It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, plan to visit another time when you are well.

Clean up Your Act!

The CDC states that:

People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose. That is why hand washing is key!

It also is important to wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. However, use caution with these type sanitizers and children.

So, use good judgment this flu season and do your part to protect yourself and others. We love to have visitors in our communities. But if you are sick, we will just plan to see you when you are well! When you see our healthy visit reminder signs posted at your local Great Oaks Management Communities, just know it is part of our mission for seniors – to be happy and healthy.

Now that I feel like I have caught my breath after National Assisted Living Week, I want to share something that I have known about for quite some time. As a matter of a fact, I benefitted from it as a child myself. See…as a little girl, my Mom would take me with her to work. My Mom has always been a pro at styling hair and in my younger years, this was her profession. As a beautician, she would do hair for her regular customers, but she also did hair at the local nursing home and assisted living. Now in my single digit years, my trade was singing and tap dancing. This proved to be quite the asset to my mom with her scissors, perm rods and hairspray. She would always plan for me and some of my other performing arts sisters to put on a show for the older folks. I loved every opportunity to perform (and to talk) so I was game. Little did I know then, but these residents were as happy to see me as I was to see them. I remember the performances of course. But I also remember eating gingerbread cookies, looking at pictures and having a captive audience to whatever I wanted to talk about. I also remember the stories. At almost 42 years of age, I still remember Hazel. Mrs. Hazel was my friend. She always wanted me to sing and tap dance for her. Mrs. Hazel didn’t have grandchildren of her own and it was her delight to have our little visits. But it was something I enjoyed very much as well. I think it was this type of friendship in my formative years that led me to where I am today. I may not be tap dancing anymore…well, come to think of it…maybe I do. I am an Assisted Living Administrator, so technically I sing and tap dance for seniors on a regular basis. Just to whatever tune they are requesting I suppose. 😉 But it is a joy. A joy that started a very long time ago for me. I witnessed the most beautiful visits this past week from a class of preschoolers with our residents at the Gardens. It was wide open, head back laughing FUN! Literally fun for all ages. The new rage is intergenerational involvement. But the concept is not new at all. Studies have shown that these type of interactions prove beneficial for both sets of people…young and old. Below are the benefits for seniors and children according to legacyproject.org.

Senior Benefits:

Active, involved older adults with close intergenerational connections consistently report much less depression, better physical health, and higher degrees of life satisfaction. They tend to be happier with their present life and more hopeful for the future.

Young and old can fulfill the role of student and teacher for each other, and it’s not always the older person who does the teaching. Children like to feel needed, and they can teach elders lots of things – like how to find some pretty cool stuff on the Internet! Children can also help older people, particularly those facing health challenges or other losses, see the world anew again, through a child’s eyes.

Benefits for Children

In general, children develop higher self-esteem, better emotional and social skills (including an ability to withstand peer pressure), and can even have better grades in school.

Through sharing in an older adult’s interests, skills, and hobbies, children are introduced to new activities and ideas. Through their life experience, older adults can often bring with them a tremendous amount of patience. Knowledge, skills, and attitudes children pick up from elders tend to stick with them through life more than those picked up from other sources.

As a product of this type of intergenerational impact, I can tell you that you are missing out if don’t find your own Mrs. Hazel. I also now see this type of influence through the eyes of my residents and for them as well, it is a beautiful thing. Thank you to those precious children that shared bubbles and ice cream with your new friends at the Gardens last week. We look forward to seeing you again real soon!

*Photograph from my personal archives circa the early 80s. I’m the brunette in the front. No, I’m not a natural blonde. 😉

As I write I have been watching the rain fall onto the scorching blacktop streets of my neighborhood. It feels good on the porch in the evenings. But, the middle of the day is a bit unbearable for me. Summertime is no joke in Alabama. I remember moving South the summer of 1985. July to be exact. Being that I moved from way up North…it seriously took me two entire weeks for my system to adjust. Heat is not anything for anyone to play around with. It can be particularly concerning for the elderly. Here are some tips to help our seniors keep their cool this summer.

Drink Up! The key to staying healthy is to stay hydrated! Drink eight or more 8-ounce glasses per day of water every day. Be aware of the signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The most common signs of dehydration in the elderly are thirst, confusion, irritability and poor skin elasticity. So, don’t wait…HYDRATE!

Block the Rays! Protect your skin from sun damage by wearing hats, sunglasses and don’t forget the sunscreen! Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Remember as we age, our skin becomes more sensitive to the sun.

Dress for Sunny Success! When selecting what to wear go with loose-fitting clothes in light colors that will reflect the sun and heat instead of darker colors that will absorb heat. This will help you avoid a sunburn and stay cool.

It’s important to know that extreme heat can wreak havoc on older adults. According to healthinaging.org, “Every summer, nearly 200 Americans die of health problems caused by high heat and humidity. Hot weather is more likely to cause health problems for older adults for a variety of reasons. These reasons include aging-related physical changes in the body, chronic health conditions, and even side effects of taking some medications.” Remember heat and dehydration may make seniors more prone to dizziness and falls and can cause/increase confusion. But the proper precautions can help set them up for success. If the heat is too extreme…stay inside with air conditioning! Keep you and your elderly loved ones safe this summer and do your part to help them beat the heat.

June is National Safety Month. For seniors, safety takes on many different shapes. In Assisted Living, we find that some of these safety issues are the primary reasons families will reach out for help for their elderly loved ones. One of the primary safety concerns is that of medications.

Heads on Meds

If you are worried that your loved one is not taking their medications as prescribed…or too much…or not at all…then it may be time to consider assisted living. We all know that misuse of medications can cause all sorts of problems, or in some serious cases even death. Assisted Living communities can provide residents with assistance with their daily and as needed medications. Residents must meet the requirements for admission to a community, including being able to identify your name on your medications. Staff are trained to assist residents in taking their meds using the:

The right route.

The right time.

The right resident.

The right documentation.

Medication management also helps prevent against a loved one taking a medication that has expired.. Looking out for the safety of your elderly loved ones in regards to their meds is one way that residing in an assisted living can help families find peace of mind.

For more information on one of our assisted living communities visit our website:

It’s a bit surreal to think we are already bracing for another Black Friday! Now some of us might be scouring the Internet for the best cyber deals or some are still pinning DIYs to our Pinterest boards. But when it comes to being Santa to the seniors in our life, we have a gift giving guide to help save the day!

Picture This!

When I visit the rooms of most residents, the things that they typically want to share aren’t THINGS…they are photos or mementos from loved ones. So, take a little time and put together that scrapbook. Or for those that are more computer savvy, an online photobook that you design and print is always a hit! Even a picture book that gives a family tree type storyline is a great idea! Another way to share snapshots is through the calendars that feature family members for every month of the year. You can find great sites to create these items online. These are treasures that residents love to receive and share.

Warm and Soothing

As you probably already know, most elderly people like to stay warm. So, any type of crocheted blanket or even store bought throw is always well received. Other items that seniors love to have are those cozy socks with rubber gripped soles. Those are both warm and help protect against falls! You do want to stay away from electric blankets and personal heaters as these items can be unsafe and/or violate state regulations.

A Group Effort

One thing that I have seen a trend in recently is when families/groups decide they want to
do something for the entire community. Many assisted living communities are relatively small and they become a very tight knit group. So, families, volunteers or church groups will ask what is something they can do for everyone. I say talk to your Administrator. They can talk to the residents and let them decide. The residents may want seasonal plants for the porch, a new set of puzzles, large print books or even a pizza party! I even know of one group that got a Karaoke Machine! I think that is great! If you decide to do a group approach and want to do food or treats, remember that you need to remember there may be diabetics so you may want to go for sugar-free items.

Wrapping It Up

In a season of giving it is always more of a blessing to give than receive. Time can be the most precious and hard to find commodity. But when you can…stop by. Bring the young ones when they are out of school. Join us for an activity. The residents are so appreciative of everything. I have seen it live and in living color. In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, stop in and say hello. The gift you will receive in return will be priceless.

November is typically the month where we stop and give thanks. This year in our community we have a Thankful Tree. Thanks to the talent and creativity of my staff members, this beautiful notion has come to life. But the real beauty that you will find are the comments that are attached to the branches of this tree. Residents and staff have given thanks for everything from health and happiness to family and friendship. So, as our hearts and minds turn to the holiday season, here are some suggestions to help you prepare for those times we treasure the most. Thinking ahead will make you thankful you did when it comes to sharing the holidays with your loved one that lives in an assisted living.

Stick to the Schedule

I have had families tell me time and time again that they were amazed that their parent was ready to go back home (to their ALF community) almost immediately after Thanksgiving or Christmas lunch or supper was over. While they were surprised, in many ways it was comforting for them. They realize that their loved one had made their community their home. I am reminded of my own Granddaddy. He was a man of routine. He didn’t vary much from his schedule. That is what I remind the families of our residents. They have the tendency in some cases to become creatures of habit. Trust me…they like a decent dose of predictability. Don’t believe me? Try canceling bingo! But just try and be as flexible as possible with their expectations. Plan ahead when it comes to medications and other necessities. If you are prepared in advance it will be more Norman Rockwell and less National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.

Don’t forget to Include Me!

Does Mom have a recipe for everyone’s favorite Caramel Cake? Does Grandpa have a story that he loves to tell? If you have ever had to suffer the loss of a loved one, you know that things like this will one day become a treasured memory. If Mom is able, include her in some of the preparation process for the meal. Or even just ask her advice. Everyone likes to feel included. Maybe you have heard Grandpa Pete’s story about his days in the war a hundred times. Maybe this year is the time to write it down. In our culture, we get so caught up in being in a hurry. Heaven knows we all can be glued to electronics. Take time to turn off and tune in to loved ones. Your conversations will be priceless to you one day.

Conversation Starters

While the holidays can be a time for sadness for some, it is best to keep conversation light. But many forget that while seniors may be older, they still like to engage. We all love looking at pictures on our social media accounts, right? Share with your elderly loved one the photos from the high school playoffs or the trip to the pumpkin patch. The pictures can be made large enough for their viewing on most devices. You may even want to let everyone in your family go around the room and tell what they are thankful for. You may find as we did with our Thankful Tree that what you hear will bless you more than you ever imagined.

Great Oaks Management communities will observe holiday meals during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. If you would like to join your loved one for a meal, call and make your reservation today.

Everyone is forgetful from time to time especially when it comes to things like remembering where we put the car keys or forgetting to pick up something at the grocery store. Adults over 65 say they are more forgetful than when they were younger, sometimes having a “senior moment” when they forget something.

Occasional forgetfulness is different than dementia and as our parents age, sometimes we wonderful is the forgetfulness we see is a part of the natural aging process or the beginning of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. As the child of a senior adult, how will I know the difference?

Research has shown that the early warning signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may begin to occur years before our parents get the diagnosis, sometimes as much as 10-15 years before the diagnosis. That’s why it is important to pay attention to early signs of forgetfulness and consider a trip to the physician for a medical work up if we are concerned about the possibility that our parents may be developing dementia. Forgetting a friends name or missing a lunch date is something that people without dementia do from time to time. Someone with early dementia, though, might repeatedly forget names or plans, and forget all about the incident soon afterward. It may seem strange but while someone with early dementia may forget something that happened the previous evening, they may recall in detail events that happened in the more distant past, last year, say, or during their childhood.

The Alzheimer’s Association has published a list of 10 warning signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. They are:

Forgetfulness and memory loss

Lack of concentration and confusion

Losing things

Difficulty doing familiar tasks

Language and speaking problems

Problems with simple math

Poor judgment

Personality changes and mood swings

Changes in grooming and personal hygiene

Withdrawing from friends and family

If you are concerned about your parent, make an appointment to see their primary care physician. There are medications available which slow the progression of some forms of dementia, but they work better if they start early in the disease.

Getting that initial diagnosis of Dementia is often such a shock, it may take some time to begin to gather information and formulate a plan with your physician. While the medications available today don’t cure dementia, they can help lessen the symptoms like memory loss or confusion.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two types of medications cholinesterase inhibitors like Aricept, Exelon and Razadyne and memantine (Namenda) to treat cognitive symptoms of dementia like memory loss, confusion and problems thinking and reasoning. While these medications can’t stop the damage done by dementia, they may help lessen or stabilize symptoms for a limited time by affecting certain chemicals involved in carrying messages in the brain’s nerve cells.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine a chemical messenger important for learning and memory. There are three medications in this category:

Aricept: Approved to treat all stages of Dementia, delays worsening of symptoms for 6-12 months on average.

Razadyne: Approved to treat mild to moderate Dementia.

Exelon: Approved to treat mild to moderate stages of dementia. Same type of drug, but comes in a patch.

Memantine: Regulates the activity of glutamate, a different messenger chemical involved in learning and memory. There is one medication in this category.

Namenda: Approved to treat moderate to severe dementia.

A New combination drug: Namzaric has just become available in 2015. This medication is a combination of Aricept and Namenda for moderate to severe Dementia.

If you or a loved one has gotten a diagnosis of dementia, talk to your doctor about which medication would be the best fit to help lessen the symptoms of the disease. If the doctor prescribes one of these medications, make sure the medication is taken as directed by the doctor and make sure to let the doctor know how the medication is working.

None of us like to think that a time may come when we have a medical emergency, but are unable to tell the healthcare team what our wishes are. An Advanced Directive is a document that can speak for us when we are unable to speak for ourselves and tell a healthcare team and our family our wishes.

An Advance Directive describes the kind of treatment you would want depending on how sick you are. For example, the Advanced Directive would describe what kind of care you want if you have an illness that you are unlikely to recover from, or if you are permanently unconscious. Advance Directives usually tell your doctor that you don’t want certain kinds of treatment.

There are several kinds of Advanced Directives. A Living Will is one type of advance directive. It is a written, legal document that describes the kind of medical treatments or life-sustaining treatments you would want if you were seriously or terminally ill. A Living Will doesn’t let you select someone to make decisions for you. A durable power of attorney for health care is another kind of advance directive. A durable power of attorney for healthcare states whom you have chosen to make health care decisions for you. It becomes active any time you are unconscious or unable to make medical decisions. A durable power of attorney for healthcare is generally more useful than a living will, but a durable power of attorney for healthcare may not be a good choice if you don’t have another person you trust to make these decisions for you.

Any time you go for healthcare, your healthcare provider will probably ask if you have an Advanced Directive. If you do execute an Advanced Directive, make sure that your primary healthcare provider has a copy in your record. More importantly, discuss you wishes with your family. It is important that your family understand your wishes and can be supportive of the healthcare decisions you wish. Spelling out our wishes makes it more likely that they will be followed, and it also lessens the likelihood of conflict within the family when difficult decisions need to be made.